U.S. patent application number 16/493090 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-27 for textiles and methods of making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to EDUARDO ALBERTO GONZALEZ DE LOS SANTO, DAVID M. LITTON, ROMESH PATEL, CHRISTOPHER J. RANALLI, JOSHUA PATRICK WILLIAMS.
Application Number | 20200060367 16/493090 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63522506 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200060367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GONZALEZ DE LOS SANTO; EDUARDO
ALBERTO ; et al. |
February 27, 2020 |
TEXTILES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
Various aspects disclosed relate to structures such as a
textile, a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component. The present disclosure includes the structure having a
first region having one of more first fibers. An individual first
fiber includes co-extruded first and second filaments, the first
filament formed of a first thermoplastic polymeric material. Due to
expansion or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first
region contracts or expands on a change in relative humidity,
relative to an equilibrium state of the first region prior to the
change in relative humidity.
Inventors: |
GONZALEZ DE LOS SANTO; EDUARDO
ALBERTO; (Beaverton, OR) ; LITTON; DAVID M.;
(Portland, OR) ; PATEL; ROMESH; (Beaverton,
OR) ; RANALLI; CHRISTOPHER J.; (Portland, OR)
; WILLIAMS; JOSHUA PATRICK; (Portland, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63522506 |
Appl. No.: |
16/493090 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 14, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/022330 |
371 Date: |
September 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62472795 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
|
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62472817 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D01F 8/12 20130101; D01D
5/22 20130101; A41D 1/00 20130101; D01D 5/32 20130101; D01F 8/14
20130101; A41D 31/12 20190201 |
International
Class: |
A41D 31/12 20060101
A41D031/12; A41D 1/00 20060101 A41D001/00; D01F 8/12 20060101
D01F008/12; D01F 8/14 20060101 D01F008/14 |
Claims
1. A textile comprising: a first region of the textile comprising
one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber having a length
at least 10 times greater than a width of the individual first
fiber, the individual first fiber comprising co-extruded first and
second filaments, the first filament formed of a first
thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface along the majority of the length of
the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
2. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first and second filaments
are substantially laminated to each other at the interface along
the majority of the length of the individual first fiber.
3. The textile of claim 2, wherein the first fiber has the
characteristic that it will contract upon a change in relative
humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30% relative
humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
4. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first and second filaments
are substantially delaminated at the interface along the majority
of the length of the individual first fiber.
5. The textile of claim 4, wherein the first fiber has the
characteristic that it will expand upon a change in relative
humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30% relative
humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
6. The textile of claim 1, wherein the interface defines an
interior surface of the individual first fiber, an exterior surface
of the individual first fiber defined by a portion of the first
filament along a majority of the length of the individual first
fiber and by a portion of the second filament along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber.
7. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first filament has a cross
section including a concave surface and the second filament is
formed of a second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross
section including a convex surface.
8. The textile of claim 7, wherein the co-extruded first and second
filaments have the interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and partially envelops the convex
surface of the second filament.
9. The textile of claim 7, wherein the second filament is formed of
a second thermoplastic polymeric material, wherein the interface at
which the concave surface of the first filament directly contacts
and fully envelops the convex surface of the second filament.
10. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first region is present in
a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component.
11. The textile of claim 1, wherein the textile is a woven textile,
a braided textile, a knit textile, or a non-woven textile.
12. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first region of the textile
contracts or expands by at least 1 width % to about 60 width %, at
least 1 length % to about 60 length %, or at least 1 width % to
about 60 width % and 1 length % to about 60 length % relative to a
resting state on a change in relative humidity of at least 10% over
a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100% relative
humidity; wherein the textile further comprises a second region,
and the second region contracts or expands by at least 1 length %,
at least 1 width % or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width %
relative to a resting state on a change in relative humidity of at
least 10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity; wherein the second region of the textile
contracts if the first region expands, or the second region expands
if the first region contracts.
13. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first thermoplastic
polymeric material comprises one or more first polymers, wherein
the one or more first polymers comprise a polyester, a polyamide, a
polyurethane, a polyacrylamide, a polycarbonate, a polyether, a
cellulose, a polyimide, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture
thereof.
14. The textile of claim 1, wherein the first thermoplastic
polymeric material comprises a non-polymer additive, wherein the
non-polymer additive is a sulfonate component, a clay component, a
phenolic resin component, a cellulose component, a nanogel
component, or a mixture thereof.
15. The textile of claim 9, wherein the second thermoplastic
polymeric material comprises one or more second polymers, wherein
the one or more second polymers includes a polyester, a polyether,
a polycarbonate, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, a polyacrylate, a
polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl ether, a fluoropolymer, a copolymer
thereof, or a mixture thereof.
16. An article comprising the textile of claim 1.
17. The article of claim 16, wherein the article comprises a
plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the plurality of
panels comprises the textile, wherein the article includes a slit
defined by a surface of the article and extending at least
partially through the article.
18. The article of claim 17, wherein the slit is in the
substantially open position when the textile contracts by at least
one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at least 1
length % and at least 1 width %, wherein the slit is in the
substantially closed position when the textile contracts by at
least one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at
least 1 length % and at least 1 width %.
19. The article of claim 18, wherein the first region is present in
a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component.
20. A method of forming a textile comprising: forming a textile
from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber having a
length at least 10 times greater than a width of the individual
first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising co-extruded
first and second filaments, the first filament formed of a first
thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface along the majority of the length of
the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity incorporating the textile into a garment, a
garment component, footwear, or a footwear component.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/472,795, having the title
"TEXTILE MATERIAL AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME", filed on Mar.
17, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. This application also claims the
benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
62/472,817, having the title "GARMENTS, GARMENT COMPONENTS,
FOOTWEAR, OR FOOTWEAR COMPONENTS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME",
filed on Mar. 17, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] During the course of physical activity, a user of an article
such as a garment or footwear may undergo changes in their
perspiration level. Typically a change in the user's perspiration
level is due to the user's body trying to remove or retain heat. In
order to remain comfortable, the user may change, for example, a
garment. This is because some garments are better suited to retain
heat while other garments are better suited to help remove heat.
The characteristics of the garments in relation to their ability to
retain or remove heat can be a function of the structure and
material of the fibers forming the garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Further aspects of the present disclosure will be more
readily appreciated upon review of the detailed description of its
various aspects, described below, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
[0004] The drawings illustrate only example aspects and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope described
herein, as other equally effective aspects are within the scope and
spirit of this disclosure. The elements and features shown in the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects.
Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help
visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, similar
reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding,
but not necessarily the same, elements.
[0005] FIGS. 1A-1C are plan views of a garment incorporating a
textile, in accordance with various aspects.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-2H are end views of different examples of a fiber
of the textile, in accordance with various aspects.
[0007] FIG. 2I is a perspective view of the fiber of FIG. 2A, in
accordance with various aspects.
[0008] FIG. 3A is an end view of a plurality of the fibers
following extrusion and drawing, in accordance with various
aspects.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a schematic view of a plurality of the fibers
following heat treatment, in accordance with various aspects.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a photograph of a first group of dry fibers that
are not heat treated and a second group of dry fibers that are heat
treated, in accordance with various aspects.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a photograph of the first group of fibers of FIG.
4A under wet conditions that are not heat treated and the second
group of fibers of FIG. 4A under wet conditions that are heat
treated, in accordance with various aspects.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the textile including the
fibers in a woven pattern, in accordance with various aspects.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a photograph showing one aspect of the textile, in
accordance with various aspects.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of the one aspect of the
textile shown in FIG. 6 upon exposure to moisture, in accordance
with various aspects.
[0015] FIGS. 8A-8D are schematic depictions of some aspects of the
textile with locally heat treated regions, in accordance with
various aspects.
[0016] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views of some aspects of the
textile including adjacent heat treated and untreated yarns,
respectively, in accordance with various aspects.
[0017] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic depictions of a garment
including the fibers in a contracted or expanded state, in
accordance with various aspects.
[0018] FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic views of the textile including
an adhesive layer.
[0019] FIGS. 12A-12D are SEM images showing the bi-component fibers
at draw ratios.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present disclosure provides for a textile or article
including a textile (e.g. garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear including a textile) that can undergo a mechanical change
in response to a moisture stimulus that can be generated, for
example, by a user's perspiration. The mechanical change can
include a shape change of the textile or article. The shape change
can result from a contraction or expansion of the individual fibers
that form the textile. For example, the individual fibers can be
configured to either expand or contract in at least one of a length
%, width %, and length % and width %. The expansion or contraction
can be triggered by the moisture stimulus generated by the
user.
[0021] Expansion or contraction of the individual fibers can be
adapted to occur upon a predetermined perspiration level of the
user. Upon expansion or contraction of the individual fibers the
shape of the textile can change to be better suited to the user's
condition. For example, the textile can alternate between a lofty
structure, to retain heat, and a less lofty or substantially flat
structure, to help remove heat.
[0022] In an aspect, the textile comprises: a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface along the majority of the
length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity. In another aspect, an article including the
textile is provided.
[0023] In an aspect, the first and second filaments are
substantially laminated to each other at the interface along the
majority of the length of the individual first fiber. In an aspect,
the first fiber has the characteristic that it will contract upon a
change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about
30% relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to
an equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0024] In an aspect, the first and second filaments are
substantially delaminated at the interface along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber. In an aspect, the first
fiber has the characteristic that it will expand upon a change in
relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0025] In an aspect, the interface defines an interior surface of
the individual first fiber, an exterior surface of the individual
first fiber defined by a portion of the first filament along a
majority of the length of the individual first fiber and by a
portion of the second filament along the majority of the length of
the individual first fiber.
[0026] In an aspect, the first filament has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface.
[0027] In an aspect, the co-extruded first and second filaments
have the interface at which the concave surface of the first
filament directly contacts and partially envelops the convex
surface of the second filament.
[0028] In an aspect, the second filament is formed of a second
thermoplastic polymeric material, wherein the interface at which
the concave surface of the first filament directly contacts and
fully envelops the convex surface of the second filament.
[0029] According to various aspects, the present disclosure
provides the textile as described above and herein included in a
garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component.
[0030] In an aspect, a method of forming a textile comprising:
forming a textile from one or more first fibers, an individual
first fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width
of the individual first fiber, the individual first fiber
comprising co-extruded first and second filaments, the first
filament formed of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the
co-extruded first and second filaments having an interface at which
the first filament directly contacts the second filament, the first
and second filaments being joined to each other at the interface
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber;
wherein, due to expansion or contraction of the one or more first
fibers, the first region of the textile contracts or expands by at
least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length % and at
least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of at least 10%
over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100% relative
humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first region
prior to the change in relative humidity incorporating the textile
into a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component.
[0031] Before additional details of the present disclosure are
described in greater detail, it is to be understood that this
disclosure is not limited to particular aspects described, and as
such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope
of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended
claims.
[0032] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening
value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure.
The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may
independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also
encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the disclosure.
[0033] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the
present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now
described.
[0034] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reading this disclosure, each of the individual aspects described
and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which
may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any
of the other several aspects without departing from the scope or
spirit of the present disclosure. Any recited method can be carried
out in the order of events recited or in any other order that is
logically possible.
[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure will employ, unless
otherwise indicated, techniques of chemistry, textiles, and the
like, which are within the skill of the art.
[0036] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those
of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and
description of how to perform the methods and use the textiles and
methods disclosed and claimed herein. Efforts have been made to
ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts,
temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be
accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by
weight, temperature is in .degree. C., and pressure is at or near
atmospheric. Standard temperature and pressure are defined as
20.degree. C. and 1 atmosphere.
[0037] Before the aspects of the present disclosure are described
in detail, it is to be understood that, unless otherwise indicated,
the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials,
reagents, reaction materials, manufacturing processes, or the like,
as such can vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is for purposes of describing particular aspects only,
and is not intended to be limiting. It is also possible in the
present disclosure that steps can be executed in different sequence
where this is logically possible.
[0038] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
General Discussion
[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of
the disclosed subject matter, examples of which are illustrated in
part in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosed subject
matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims,
it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not
intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter.
[0040] It can be desirable to develop articles, according to this
disclosure, that include textiles capable of undergoing a change in
shape triggered at least in part, by an external moisture stimulus
such as user's perspiration. This can allow the textile or the
article to adapt in substantially real time to a user's condition.
This can increase performance of the article and increase comfort
of the article to the user, which can thereby increase the user's
athletic performance and the users level of comfort. As a
non-limiting example, the ability of a garment incorporating the
textile to adapt as described herein, can reduce the need for a
user to shed or add layers during a workout. This is because the
article itself, through the textile, can adapt to appropriately
provide more or less insulation to the user.
[0041] The present disclosure relates generally to a textile
material and articles including a textile material, according to
the various aspects described herein, which undergoes a mechanical
change in response to an external moisture stimulus. An external
moisture stimulus can be the presence or absence of moisture that
contacts the textile material. The external moisture stimulus can
be provided, for example, by perspiration or through the humidity
of the environment surrounding the textile. The mechanical change
can be a reversible contraction or expansion of the textile. The
textile material can be formed from a plurality of fibers including
at least one bi-component fiber that can be tuned to contract or
expand thus resulting in a mechanical change or shape change such
as contraction or expansion of the textile. The textile can be
incorporated into a garment (e.g., a shirt or pants), a garment
component (e.g., a patch or vent), footwear (e.g., a shoe or a
sock), or a footwear component (e.g., a lace or upper). In some
examples, the textile defines the garment, garment component,
footwear, or footwear component entirely. In other examples, the
textile can define only a portion of the garment, garment
component, footwear, or footwear component.
[0042] The ability of the textile material to undergo a mechanical
change in response to an external moisture stimulus can allow the
textile to adapt in response to a user's physiological condition,
such that, for example, the textile of the various aspects
described herein can expand or contract in response to a triggering
event in which the external moisture stimulus exceeds or falls
below a threshold value. The external moisture stimulus can exceed
or fall below the threshold value, for example, through change in
the user's perspiration level or a change in the relative humidity
in the textile's immediate environment.
[0043] This behavior of the textile can help to selectively
increase or decrease the loft of the garment in response to the
user's level of perspiration. The loft is the density of fiber in a
textile as related to the thickness; the higher the loft of a
textile, the thicker it is respective to its density. For example,
in a garment, increased loft can result in more air being trapped
between the user and the garment, whereas less loft can result in
less air being trapped between the user and the garment. More loft,
and thus more insulation, can be desirable for a user when the user
is generating less perspiration. In this circumstance, the user's
body is not attempting to remove heat to a great extent.
Conversely, less loft, and thus less insulation, can be desirable
for a user when the user is generating more perspiration. In this
circumstance, the user's body is attempting to remove heat. The
less lofty structure can decrease the insulation and possibly
increase wicking of the perspiration from the user, thus resulting
in, e.g., a cooling effect to the user.
[0044] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are plan views of a garment 100
incorporating a textile 102 according to the present disclosure.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show many of the same components and will be
discussed concurrently. As shown, the garment 100 is a shirt. A
shirt is one non-limiting example of a suitable garment.
Additional, non-limiting examples of garments include socks, pants,
gloves, wristbands, headbands, hats, underlayers, and
undergarments.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 100% of the surface area of the
garment 100 is defined by the textile 102. In other examples, the
textile 102 may define less than 100% of the surface area of the
textile 102. For example, the textile 102 can define about 1% to
about 99% of the surface area of the garment 100, or about 5% to
about 95%, about 10% to about 90%, about 15% to about 85%, about
20% to about 80%, about 25% to about 75%, about 30% to about 70%,
about 35% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, or about 45% to
about 55% of the surface area of the garment 100.
[0046] FIG. 1A shows region 104 fully contracted. FIG. 1B shows
region 104 fully contracted.
[0047] FIG. 1C shows a region 104 of contraction and a region 106
of expansion. A first region 104 of the textile 102 is adapted to
undergo a mechanical change in response to an external moisture
stimulus. For example, when exposed to moisture levels above or
below a certain threshold value, the first region 104 can change
shapes. For example, the first region 104 can contract (indicated
by the diagonal lines), as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, or expand
(indicated by the horizontal lines) as shown in FIG. 1B. Other
mechanical changes can include the first region 104 adapting a
lofty structure or a flat structure. Additionally, in response to
an external moisture stimulus, a vent (not shown) in the textile
102 may be opened or closed.
[0048] The first region 104 can range from about 5% to about 100%
of a total surface area of the textile 102, or from about 10% to
about 95%, about 15% to about 90%, about 20% to about 85%, about
25% to about 80%, about 30% to about 75%, about 35% to about 70%,
about 40% to about 65%, about 45% to about 60%, or about 50% to
about 55% of the total surface area of the textile. The size of the
first region 104 can depend on the type of article to which the
textile 102 is incorporated. For example, the first region 104 can
range from about 0.05 mm.sup.2 to about 10 mm.sup.2, about 1.0
mm.sup.2 to about 9.5 mm.sup.2, about 1.5 mm.sup.2 to about 9.0
mm.sup.2, about 2 mm.sup.2 to about 8.5 mm.sup.2, about 2.5
mm.sup.2 to about 8.0 mm.sup.2, about 3.0 mm.sup.2 to about 7.5
mm.sup.2, about 3.5 mm.sup.2 to about 7.0 mm.sup.2, about 4.0
mm.sup.2 to about 6.5 mm.sup.2, about 4.5 mm.sup.2 to about 6.0
mm.sup.2, or about 5.0 mm.sup.2 to about 5.5 mm.sup.2.
Additionally, the first region 104 can range from about 5 wt % to
about 100 wt % of a total surface area of the textile 102, or from
about 10 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 90 wt %,
about 20 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 80 wt %,
about 30 wt % to about 75 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 70 wt %,
about 40 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 45 wt % to about 60 wt %, or
about 50 wt % to about 55 wt %, of the total surface area of the
textile 102.
[0049] In some examples, a second region 106 of the textile 102 is
adapted to contract if the first region 104 expands, or is adapted
to expand if the first region 104 contracts. This is shown in FIG.
1C. The second region can range from about 5% to about 95% of a
total surface area of the textile 102, or from about 10% to about
90%, about 15% to about 85%, about 20% to about 80%, about 25% to
about 75%, about 30% to about 70%, about 35% to about 65%, about
40% to about 60%, or about 45% to about 55% of the total surface
area of the textile. Similar to the size of the first region 104,
the size of the second region 106 can depend on the type of article
to which the textile 102 is incorporated. For example, the first
region 104 can range from about 0.05 mm.sup.2 to about 10 mm.sup.2,
about 1.0 mm.sup.2 to about 9.5 mm.sup.2, about 1.5 mm.sup.2 to
about 9.0 mm.sup.2, about 2 mm.sup.2 to about 8.5 mm.sup.2, about
2.5 mm.sup.2 to about 8.0 mm.sup.2, about 3.0 mm.sup.2 to about 7.5
mm.sup.2, about 3.5 mm.sup.2 to about 7.0 mm.sup.2, about 4.0
mm.sup.2 to about 6.5 mm.sup.2, about 4.5 mm.sup.2 to about 6.0
mm.sup.2, or about 5.0 mm.sup.2 to about 5.5 mm.sup.2.
[0050] In some examples, in response to the moisture stimulus, the
first region 104 or the second region 106 expands or contracts by
at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or at least 1 length % and
at least 1 width % relative to a resting state. In some examples,
the first region 104 or the second region 106 expands or contracts
from about 1 length % to about 50 length %, about 5 length % to
about 45 length %, about 10 length % to about 40 length %, about 15
length % to about 35 length %, or about 20 length % to about 30
length %. In some examples, the first region 104 or the second
region 106 expands or contracts from about 1 width % to about 50
width %, about 5 width % to about 45 width %, about 10 width % to
about 40 width %, about 15 width % to about 35 width %, or about 20
width % to about 30 width %. In some further examples, the first
region 104 or the second region 106 expands or contracts from about
1 length % and width % to about 50 length % and width %, about 5
length % and width % to about 45 length % and width %, about 10
length % and width % to about 40 length % and width %, about 15
length % and width % to about 35 length % and width %, or about 20
length % and width % to about 30 length % and width %.
[0051] The mechanical change of the textile 102 occurs through an
external moisture stimulus, such as a change in relative humidity
above a threshold value. For example, the mechanical change can be
triggered upon a change in relative humidly ranging from about 10%
to about 50%, about 15% to about 45%, about 20% to about 40%, or
about 25% to about 35%. The change in relative humidity is measured
over a range from about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity. The expansion or contraction of the textile 102
is relative to an equilibrium or resting state of the first region
104 or the second region 106 prior to the change in relative
humidity. The textile 102 is able to revert back to the equilibrium
state when the humidity or moisture level falls below the threshold
level. In some examples, the temperature that the textile 102 is
exposed to can also affect to the degree to which the textile 102
expands or contracts relative to the resting state.
[0052] At least one portion of the textile 102 is formed from
bi-component fibers. The mechanical change of the textile 102 is
driven, at least in part or in total, by one or more first fibers
108 included (e.g., woven, entangled, or knitted) therein. FIGS. 2A
and 2I show various examples of an individual first fiber 108.
FIGS. 2A-2H are end views of the various examples of the first
fiber 108. FIG. 2I is a partial perspective view of the first fiber
108 shown in FIG. 2A. The first fiber 108 is a bi-component fiber
including a co-extruded first filament 110 and second filament 112.
A length L of the first fiber 108 ranges from about 10 to about 100
times greater than a width W of the first fiber 108, from about 15
times to about 95 times, about 20 times to about 90 times, about 25
times to about 85 times, about 30 times to about 80 times, about 35
times to about 75 times, about 40 times to about 70 times, about 45
times to about 65 times, or about 50 times to about 60 times
greater than a width of the first fiber 108.
[0053] The first filament 110 and the second filament 112 include
respective first and/or second thermoplastic polymeric materials.
In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first filament 110 has a
generally circular cross section including a concave surface 114.
The second filament 112 also has a generally circular cross section
including a convex surface 116. But those skilled in the art will
recognize that the first fiber 108 can have other cross sectional
shapes or features. For example, first filament 110 or the second
filament 112 can include more than one convex surface 116 or
concave surface 114 as shown in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G and 2H.
Additionally, the cross section of either or both of the first
filament 110 or the second filament 112 can have a generally oval
shape, as shown in FIGS. 2F and 2H. The cross section of either or
both of the first filament 110 or the second filament 112 can have
a crescent shape as shown in FIG. 2E. The cross section of either
or both of the first filament 110 or the second filament 112 can
also include a projection as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D.
[0054] An interface 118 defines an interior surface of the first
fiber 108. At the interface 118, a surface of the first filament
110 and a surface of the second filament 112 directly contact each
other. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2I, the direct
contact between the first filament 110 and the second filament 112
is facilitated by the concave surface 114 at least partially
enveloping the convex surface 116. In some examples of the
individual first fiber 108, the first filament 110 completely
(e.g., about 90% or more, about 95% or more, about 99% or more, or
about 100%) envelops the second filament 112. This is shown in FIG.
2F. In other examples the second filament 112 at least partially
(e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 40%, about 55%, or
about 70% and the range can be up to 90%, about 80%, about 70%,
about 60%, or about 50%) envelops the first filament 110. This is
shown in FIG. 2E.
[0055] The first filament 110 and the second filament 112 can be in
direct contact along the majority of the length L of the first
fiber 108 and laminated or joined to each other at the interface
118 along the majority (e.g., about 50% or more, about 60% or more,
about 75% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, or about
100%) of the length of the first fiber 108. While the interface 118
defines the internal surface, an external surface 120 of the first
fiber 108 is defined by a portion of the first filament 110 along a
majority (e.g., about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about 75% or
more, about 90% or more, about 95% or more, or about 100%) of the
length of the first fiber 108 and by a corresponding portion of the
second filament 112. A delamination region can also be defined
along the interface 118.
[0056] Lamination, as used herein, refers to a state in which
filaments are firmly united (e.g. through compression, swelling, or
thermal bonding). The lamination process can be reversed, resulting
in delamination. Delamination can occur when filaments or regions
of filaments are no longer united, resulting from e.g. cooling,
drying, or shrinkage. Lamination or delamination can be continuous
or discontinuous along interface 118 of a fiber 108, resulting in
delamination regions.
[0057] In an individual first fiber 108, the first filament 110 and
the second filament 112 can account for a different weight
percentage of the first fiber 108. In some aspects, the first
filament 110 will account for a greater weight percentage of the
first fiber 108. For example, the first filament can range from
about 5 wt % to about 90 wt % greater than a weight percentage of
the second fiber, or from about 10 wt % to about 90 wt %, about 15
wt % to about 85 wt %, about 20 wt % to about 80 wt %, about 25 wt
% to about 75 wt %, about 30 wt % to about 70 wt %, about 35 wt %
to about 65 wt %, about 40 wt % to about 60 wt %, or about 45 wt %
to about 55 wt % greater than a weight percentage of the second
fiber.
[0058] As stated herein, the first filament 110 can include a first
thermoplastic polymeric material. The first thermoplastic polymeric
material can include one or more first polymers. The one or more
first polymers can range from about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of
the first thermoplastic polymeric material, or from about 82 wt %
to about 98 wt %, about 84 wt % to about 96 wt %, about 86 wt % to
about 94 wt %, about 88 wt % to about 92 wt %, or about 90 wt % to
about 91 wt % of the first thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0059] The one or more first polymers of the first thermoplastic
material can be selected from many suitable polymers. For example,
the one or more first polymers may be selected from a polyester, a
polyamide, a polyurethane, a polyacrylamide, a polycarbonate, a
polyether, a cellulose, a polyimide, a copolymer thereof, or a
mixture thereof. In examples where the one or more first polymers
includes a polyamide, suitable examples of polyamides include
nylon-6; nylon-4,6; nylon-6,6; nylon-6,10; nylon-11; nylon-12, a
copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof. In some examples, about 90
wt % to about 100 wt % of the one or more first polymers are
polyamides.
[0060] The one or more first polymers can be selected to be
substantially hydrophilic polymers. For example a polymer of the
first thermoplastic material after having been dried at 80.degree.
C. for a time ranging from about 1 hour to about 48 hours upon
exposure to 30% to 100% relative humidity the, one or more first
polymers absorbs about 10 wt % to about 100 wt % water, or about 15
wt % to about 95 wt % water, about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % water,
about 25 wt % to about 85 wt % water, about 30 wt % to about 80 wt
% water, about 35 wt % to about 75 wt % water, about 40 wt % to
about 70 wt % water, about 45 wt % to about 65 wt % water, or about
50 wt % to about 60 wt % water.
[0061] The degree to which the one or more first polymers absorbs
water can be, in some aspects, a function of the inherent
hydrophilic properties of the one or more first polymers.
Additionally, the hydrophilicity of the one or more first polymers
can be tuned. For example, the degree to which the one or more
first polymers is crosslinked can be tuned, in some examples,
hydrophilic or hydrophobic groups may be grafted to the one or more
first polymers. Non-polymer additives can also be added to the
first thermoplastic material. The non-polymer additive can increase
the hydrophilicity of the first polymer. In some examples the
non-polymer additive can range from about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %
of the first thermoplastic polymeric material, or from about 2 wt %
to about 9 wt %, about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %, about 4 wt % to
about 7 wt %, or about 5 wt % to about 6 wt % of the first
thermoplastic material. Suitable examples of non-polymer additives
include a sulfonate component, a clay component, a phenolic resin
component, a cellulose component, a nanogel component, or a mixture
thereof.
[0062] As stated herein, the second filament 112 can further
include a second thermoplastic polymeric material. The second
thermoplastic polymeric material can include one or more second
polymers. The second thermoplastic polymeric material can include
one or more second polymers. The one or more second polymers can
range from about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of the second
thermoplastic polymeric material, or from about 82 wt % to about 98
wt %, about 84 wt % to about 96 wt %, about 86 wt % to about 94 wt
%, about 88 wt % to about 92 wt %, or about 90 wt % to about 91 wt
% of the second thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0063] The one or more second polymers of the second thermoplastic
material can be selected from suitable polymers. For example, the
one or more second polymers can include a polyester, a polyether, a
polycarbonate, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, a polyacrylate, a
polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl ether, a fluoropolymer, a copolymer
thereof, or a mixture thereof. In some examples, about 90 wt % to
about 100 wt % of the one or more first polymers are polyesters.
Suitable examples of polyesters can include a polyglycolide, a
polyactic acid, a polycaprolactone, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a
polyhydroxybutyrate, a polyethylene adipate, a polybutylene
succinate, a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), a
polyethylene terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a
polytrimethylene terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate, a
copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0064] In some aspects, the one or more second polymers can be
selected to be relatively hydrophobic relative to the one or more
first polymers. For example, a polymer of the second thermoplastic
material after having been dried at 80.degree. C. for a time
ranging from about 1 hour to about 48 hours upon exposure to 30% to
100% relative humidity, the one or more second polymers absorbs
about 0.1 wt % to about 30 wt % water, or about 0.5 wt % to about
29.5 wt % water, about 1 wt % to about 29 wt % water, about 1.5 wt
% to about 28.5 wt % water, about 2 wt % to about 28 wt % water,
about 2.5 wt % to about 27.5 wt % water, about 3 wt % to about 27
wt % water, about 3.5 wt % to about 26.5 wt % water, about 4 wt %
to about 26 wt % water, about 4.5 wt % to about 25.5 wt % water,
about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % water, about 5.5 wt % to about 24.5
wt % water, about 6 wt % to about 24 wt % water, about 6.5 wt % to
about 23.5 wt % water, about 7 wt % to about 23 wt % water, about
7.5 wt % to about 22.5 wt % water, about 8 wt % to about 22 wt %
water, about 8.5 wt % to about 21.5 wt % water, about 9 wt % to
about 21 wt % water, about 9.5 wt % to about 20.5 wt % water, about
10 wt % to about 20 wt % water, about 10.5 wt % to about 19.5 wt %
water, about 11 wt % to about 19 wt % water, about 11.5 wt % to
about 18.5 wt % water, about 12 wt % to about 18 wt % water, about
12.5 wt % to about 17.5 wt % water, about 13 wt % to about 17 wt %
water, about 13.5 wt % to about 16.5 wt % water, about 14 wt % to
about 16 wt % water, or about 14.5 wt % to about 15.5 wt %
water.
[0065] However much wt % the one or more second polymers absorbs,
the first thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs about 5 wt % to
about 100 wt % more water than the second thermoplastic polymeric
material, about 10 wt % to about 95 wt %, about 15 wt % to about 90
wt %, about 20 wt % to about 85 wt %, about 25 wt % to about 80 wt
%, about 30 wt % to about 75 wt %, about 35 wt % to about 70 wt %,
about 40 wt % to about 65 wt %, about 45 wt % to about 60 wt %, or
about 50 wt % to about 55 wt % more water than the second
thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0066] The individual first fibers 108 of the first region 104 and
the second region 106 can have the same tensile strength or a
different tensile strength. For example, the tenacity of the
individual first fibers can range from about 3 grams per denier
(g/d) to about 15 g/d, where g/d=((11.3/density g/cm.sup.3)(GPa)).
The tenacity of the individual fibers can also range from about 3.5
g/d to about 14.5 g/d, about 4 g/d to about 14 g/d, about 4.5 g/d
to about 13.5 g/d, about 5 g/d to about 13 g/d, about 5.5 g/d to
about 12.5 g/d, about 6 g/d to about 12 g/d, about 6.5 g/d to about
11.5 g/d, about 7 g/d to about 11 g/d, about 7.5 g/d to about 10.5
g/d, about 8 g/d to about 10 g/d, or about 8.5 g/d to about 9.5
g/d. In instances where the tensile strength of the individual
first fibers 108 of the first region 104 and the second region 106
differ, the difference can range from about plus or minus 10% to
about 70%, about 15% to about 65%, about 20% to about 60%, about
25% to about 55%, about 30% to about 50%, or about 35% to about
45%.
[0067] The individual first fibers 108 are formed generally by
co-extruding the first filament 110 and the second filament 112.
Co-extrusion can include depositing a first quantity of the first
thermoplastic polymeric material and a second quantity of the
second thermoplastic polymeric material into an extruder. The
thermoplastic polymeric materials are extruded through a shaped
die, which includes two ports. Each port receives one of the
thermoplastic polymeric materials. While the specific shape of the
die can be changed to suit different applications, the die is
shaped to form the interface 118 where, as described above, the
first filament 110 partially (e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 25%,
about 40%, about 55%, or about 70% and the range can be up to 90%,
about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, or about 50%) envelops the second
filament 112. For example, the first port, through which the first
thermoplastic polymeric materials passes, can have a
crescent-shaped cross-section. Additionally, the second port,
through which the second thermoplastic polymeric materials passes
has a circular cross-section. When the two thermoplastic polymeric
materials are simultaneously extruded through the die, the second
thermoplastic polymeric materials is shaped by the portion of the
die having the circular cross-section and the first thermoplastic
polymeric materials is shaped by the portion of the die having the
crescent-shaped cross-section. As the two thermoplastic polymeric
materials exit the die, they contact each other and become
substantially (e.g., about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about
70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or
more, or about 99%) joined or laminated along the interface 118,
potentially subject to a small number of gaps therebetween. As a
result of the shape of the first and second ports of the die, the
interface can be crescent-shaped.
[0068] Following extrusion, the individual first fibers 108 can be
drawn along a length of the fiber. Once the individual fibers 108
are drawn, the first filament 110 and the second filament 112 are
substantially delaminated along the length of the fiber 108 along
the interface 118. For example, the first filament 110 and the
second filament 112 can be delaminated along about 10 length % to
about 100 length % of the first fiber 108 along the interface 118,
about 15 length % to about 95 length %, about 20 length % to about
90 length %, about 25 length % to about 85 length %, about 30
length % to about 80 length %, about 35 length % to about 75 length
%, about 40 length % to about 70 length %, about 45 length % to
about 65 length %, or about 50 length % to about 60 length %. The
delamination across the length of the first fiber 108 along the
interface 118 can be continuous or discontinuous. For example, if
the first filament 110 and the second filament 112 are delaminated
along 80 length % of the first fiber 108 along the interface 118,
the delamination would be continuous if the delamination is
constant across 80 length % of the first fiber 108. Alternatively,
the delamination would be discontinuous if along the length of the
first fiber, there is at least one laminated portion between two
delaminated portions.
[0069] Regardless of the extent of delamination or whether the
delamination is continuous or not, the second filament remains at
least partially enveloped by the first filament. Therefore, the
first filament 110 and the second filament 112 remain in
substantially (e.g., about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about
70% or more, about 80% or more, about 90% or more, about 95% or
more, or about 99%) direct contact along the length of the
individual first fibers 108. FIG. 3A is a schematic depiction of a
plurality of individual first fibers 108 following extrusion and
drawing. As shown in FIG. 3A, the individual fibers are delaminated
at the delamination region along the interface.
[0070] Following the drawing stage, the first filament 110 and the
second filament 112 can be joined or laminated at the interface 118
along a length of the individual first fibers 108. This is shown in
FIG. 3B, which is a schematic depiction of a plurality of
individual first fibers 108 in which the first filament 110 and the
second filament 112 are joined. The first filament 110 and the
second filament 112 can be joined along about 5 length % to about
100 length % of the individual first fiber 108, or about 10 length
% to about 95 length %, about 15 length % to about 90 length %,
about 20 length % to about 85 length %, about 25 length % to about
80 length %, about 30 length % to about 75 length %, about 35
length % to about 70 length %, about 40 length % to about 65 length
%, about 45 length % to about 60 length %, or about 50 length % to
about 55 length %.
[0071] In an aspect, laminating the first filament 110 and the
second filament 112 can be accomplished by heating the individual
first fibers 108 or portions thereof to create the first region 104
or the second regions 106 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Heating can be
accomplished, for example, with a heat bath, or through embossing.
Through heating, the individual first fibers 108 of the first
region 104 or the second region 106 can be selectively heated.
Additionally, the individual fibers 108 of the first region can be
heated to laminate the first filament 110 and the second filament
112 while the individual fibers 108 of the second region 106 may
not be heated so that the first filament 110 and the second
filament 112 therein remain delaminated.
[0072] As discussed herein, whether the first filament 110 and the
second filament 110 are laminated or delaminated affects whether
the individual first fiber 108 expands or contracts in response to
the moisture stimulus. Briefly stated, if the filaments 110 and 112
are delaminated, then the first fiber 108 will expand; whereas if
the filaments 110 and 112 are laminated, then the first fiber 108
will contract in response to a moisture stimulus.
[0073] The first region 104 can be heated from about 30 seconds to
about 6 hours, from about 5 minutes to about 5.5 hours, about 30
minutes to about 5 hours, about 1 hour to about 4.5 hours, about
1.5 hours to about 4 hours, about 2 hours to about 3.5 hours, or
about 2.5 hours to about 3 hours. The temperature that the first
region 104 is heated at can range from about 50.degree. C. to about
280.degree. C., from about, about 60.degree. C. to about
270.degree. C., about 70.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C., about
80.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C., about 90.degree. C. to about
240.degree. C., about 100.degree. C. to about 230.degree. C., about
110.degree. C. to about 220.degree. C., about 120.degree. C. to
about 210.degree. C., about 130.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.,
about 140.degree. C. to about 190.degree. C., about 150.degree. C.
to about 180.degree. C., or about 160.degree. C. to about
170.degree. C.
[0074] Increasing the temperature of the individual first fibers
108 at, for example, the first region 104, can alter the mechanical
change (e.g., expansion or contraction) of the first region in
response to an external moisture stimulus (e.g., a change in
relative humidity) relative to a state of the first region prior to
the increasing the temperature. For example, if the individual
first fibers 108 of the first region are heated such that the first
filament 110 and the second filament 112 are laminated, then upon a
change in relative humidity the individual first fibers, contracts
in length %. Conversely, if subsequent to drawing, the individual
first fibers 108 of the first region are not heated such that the
first filament 110 and the second filament 112 remain delaminated,
then upon a change in relative humidity the individual first fibers
expand in length %. This is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are
images of individual first fibers 108. FIG. 4A shows drawn first
fibers 108A and heated first fibers 108B in an "equilibrium state"
under humidity conditions ranging from about 40% relative humidity
to about 60% relative humidity. FIG. 4B shows drawn first fibers
108A and heated first fibers 108B in an activated state exposed to
an external moisture stimulus above a threshold value. The external
moisture stimulus was supplied by lightly spraying the first fibers
108A and 108B with water.
[0075] Without intending to be bound to any theory, the mechanical
change in the first region 104 and if present the second region 106
is driven by the reaction to a change in relative humidity by the
individual first fibers 108. The two thermoplastic polymeric
compositions react differently to a change in humidity above a
threshold value. An increase in the relative humidity can cause the
first thermoplastic polymeric composition to increase in length,
while the second composition does not increase in length as much as
the first composition under the same conditions. When there are a
relatively high number of individual first fibers 108 that are
delaminated or include delaminated regions along the length of the
fiber, both of the filaments 110 and 112 are free to expand. In
contrast, when there are a relatively high number of individual
first fibers 108 that are laminated or include laminated regions
along the length of the fiber, the increase in length of the first
filament 110 coupled with the lesser increase in length, if any, of
the second filament 112 can cause the fiber 108 to "kink" or
"pucker" along its length. The second filament 112 appears to act
as an "anchor," which prevents the first filament 110 from fully
expanding thus shortening the overall length of the fiber. Thus, if
the textile 102 is formed of the individual fibers 108, regions
which have not been heat treated will expand when exposed to an
increased level of moisture, while regions which have been heat
treated will contact.
[0076] The textile 102, formed from the individual fibers 108, can
be one of many different types of textiles. For example, the
textile 102 can be a non-woven textile. Examples of suitable
non-woven textiles include a spun-bound non-woven textile, a
melt-blown non-woven textile, a needle entangled non-woven textile,
or a water-entangled non-woven textile. Alternatively, the textile
102 can be a woven textile, a braided textile, a knit textile, or a
non-woven textile. In some examples of the textile 102, the textile
can be formed from a collection of individual first fibers 108 that
can be aligned in in substantially the same direction. In other
examples, the textile 102 can be formed from one or more yarns each
including a plurality of first fibers 108.
[0077] The individual first fibers 108 can be incorporated into the
textile 102 in many different ways. For example, the individual
first fibers 108 may entirely form the textile 102. If the textile
102 is formed entirely of the individual first fibers 108 then the
response of textile 102 response to moisture will depend on whether
the individual first fibers 108 have been heat treated.
Alternatively, the individual first fibers 108 can be selectively
incorporated into the textile 102.
[0078] Selectively incorporating the individual first fibers 108
into the textile 102 can impart local, as opposed to global, change
in the textile 102. For example, instead of the entirety of the
textile 102 contracting or expanding in response to a moisture
stimulus, only a portion will react in response to the
stimulus.
[0079] In an aspect, the textile can include a yarn including one
or more fibers (e.g., first fiber) of the present disclosure. Yarn
is a raw material utilized to form textiles. In general, "yam" is
defined as an assembly having a substantial length and relatively
small cross-section that is formed of at least one filament or a
plurality of fibers or filaments. Yarn may be formed of a single
filament, which is conventionally referred to as a "monofilament
yarn," or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together.
Yarn also may include separate filaments formed of different
materials, or the yarn may include filaments that are each formed
of two or more different materials.
[0080] An example of the textile 102 with selectively incorporated
yarns 122 including the first fibers 108 is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5
is a schematic depiction of the textile 102. As shown textile 102
includes the yarns 122 including the first fibers and yarns 124
including second fibers. The second fibers can differ from the
first fibers in many respects. For example, second fibers can be a
mono-component fiber; made of materials other than the
thermoplastic polymeric components described herein; the
cross-section of the second fibers can be different. Whatever the
difference is, in some aspects, the second fibers will not expand
or contract to the same extent, if at all, in response to a
moisture stimulus as compared to the first fiber. In some examples,
the second fibers are an elastic fiber, which has the ability to
deform in response to force and subsequently resume its shape
absent the force.
[0081] When the yarns 122 are interwoven with the yarns 124, the
yarns 122 can be referred to as actuation yarns that, in some
examples, the yarns 122 will expand or contract in response to a
moisture stimulus. Because the yarns 122 are interwoven with the
yarns 124, the expansion or contraction of the yarns 122 will cause
at least one of the yarns 124 to expand or contract as well. This
can be because the yarns 122 and the yarns 124 are interwoven in
such a way, as shown in FIG. 5, that the yarns 124 are biased
against the yarns 122. Therefore, when the yarns 122 expand or
contract the yarns 124 are forced to contract or expand in
kind.
[0082] The ability of the yarns 122 to cause at least one of the
yarns 124 to expand or contract can result in the textile 102 and a
corresponding portion of the garment 100, having a flat or lofty
structure depending on the expansion or contraction yarns 122. For
example, if the yarns 122 are not heat treated they can have a flat
structure when the yarns 122 are exposed to moisture. This is
because the yarns 122 expand thereby stretching and flattening the
textile 122. Alternatively, if the yarns 122 are heat treated and
exposed to moisture above the threshold value, the yarns 122
contract, thereby compressing and kinking the textile, this creates
a lofty structure.
[0083] Another example of the individual first fibers 108 being
incorporated in the textile 102 is shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG.
6 is a photograph of the textile 102. As shown in FIG. 6 the yarn
122, including individual fibers 108, is incorporated into the
textile 102. In this example, the yarn 122 is embroidered into the
textile 102, with the yarns 124 securing the yarn 122 thereto.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of the textile 102 shown in
FIG. 6 upon exposure to moisture. In this example, individual first
fiber 108, or the yarn 122, is heat treated, then as shown, once
the individual first fiber 108 contracts upon exposure to a
moisture stimulus, contraction causes a shape change in the textile
102. As shown, the textile 102 has a generally compressed shape. As
shown, this can create a lofty structure in the textile 102 and the
resulting garment 100. Alternatively, if the individual first
fibers 108 of the yarn 122 is not heat treated, or when the
individual first fibers 108 are heat treated but under "dry" (e.g.,
no moisture or moisture level below a threshold value) conditions,
then the yarn 122 will expand, which can flatten the textile
102.
[0085] In addition to the individual fibers 108, or the yarns 122,
being selectively incorporated into the textile 102, the individual
fibers 108 can be selectively treated such that portions of the
textile 102 will selectively expand or contract upon exposure to
moisture. FIG. 8A is a schematic depiction of the textile 102
including a first heat treated section 128 and a second heat
treated region 130. The sections 128 and 130 can be heat treated in
many different ways. Selectively heat treating the textile 102 can
result in localized shape change throughout the textile 102 as
shown in FIG. 8B.
[0086] Additional features can be incorporated into the textile 102
that can act in conjunction with the individual fibers 108 and/or
the sections 128 and 130. For example, FIG. 8C shows the textile
102 as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B with slit 132 incorporated
therein. As shown in FIG. 8D, contraction of sections 128 and 130
upon exposure to a moisture stimulus can cause slit 132 to open
thereby creating openings in textile 102 that can serve to, among
other things, vent.
[0087] The individual first fibers 108, or yarns 122, can cause
other shape changes in the textile 102. For example, a heat treated
individual fiber 108 can be placed adjacent to untreated individual
fiber 108. As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the yarn 122A, formed
form individual fibers 108 that are not heat treated is paired with
the yarn 122B, formed from heat treated individual fibers 108. Upon
exposure to an external moisture stimulus, as shown in FIG. 9B,
each of the yarns 122 either expands or contracts. Specifically,
the yarn 122A expands and the yarn 122B contracts. Under dry
conditions, as shown in FIG. 9A, the yarn 122A contracts and the
yarn 122B expands. As shown in both FIGS. 9A and 9B selectively
heat treating the yarns 122, can significantly alter the behavior
of the yarns 122, and the shape of the textile 102 upon exposure to
a moisture stimulus. That is the garment 100, or at least a portion
of the garment 100 including the textile 102, can have a first
shape under dry conditions and a second shape under "wet" (e.g.,
moisture levels above a threshold value) conditions. For example,
the opposed motion of each of the yarns can change the shape of the
textile 102. The shape change can result in the textile 102 being
kinked or crumpled, which can increase the loftiness of the textile
102. The textile 102 can define the entirety of the garment 100 or
an article of footwear or only a portion thereof. For example the
textile 102 can be selectively incorporated into a shoulder or
armpit region on the garment 100 or into an upper on an article of
footwear.
[0088] The individual first fibers 108 can also be used within the
garment 100 to move or reposition components of the garment 100.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a portion of the
garment 100 showing individual first fibers 108, elastic component
134, and an insulation material 136. The elastic component 134 can
be any suitable elastic material, examples of such materials
include polyurethanes or thermoplastic polyurethanes. The
insulation material 136 can be any suitable insulation material
such as fleece, or down material as non-limiting examples. The
individual first fibers 108 are heat treated so that they contract
upon exposure to moisture above a threshold value. Both the
individual first fibers 108 and the elastic component 134 are
attached to the insulation 136 and to a layer 138 of the garment
100. As an example, the layer 138 can be a cotton material. As
shown in FIG. 10A, before exposure to a moisture stimulus, a
contracting force A of the individual first fibers 108 is overcome
by the expanding force B of the elastic component 134. This creates
a lofty structure in the garment 100 between 136 and 138.
Conversely, when the garment is exposed to moisture above a
threshold value the contracting force A of the individual first
fibers 108 overcomes the expansion force B of the elastic component
134, as shown in FIG. 10B. This results in the garment 100 having a
less lofty structure between 136 and 138.
[0089] Localized shape change in the garment 100 can be further
accomplished by affixing an adhesive to the textile 102. The
textile 102 can then be attached to the garment (or any other
article such as footwear). The adhesive can be a double sided tape
or a film for example applied to the textile 102 or the garment
100. The adhesive can be applied to the textile 102 to a variable
extent. FIGS. 11A-11C are schematic views of the textile 102
including an adhesive layer 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A
the adhesive layer 140 is applied across substantially 100% of the
surface area of one side of the textile 102. As shown in FIG. 11B,
the adhesive layer 140 is applied across about 50% of the surface
area of one side of the textile 102. As shown in FIG. 11C, the
adhesive layer 140 is applied along the perimeter of one side of
the textile 102. The extent to which the adhesive is applied to the
textile can impact the adhesion of the textile 102 to the garment
100. Once the adhesive is applied to either the textile 102 or the
garment 100, the textile 102 can then be directly adhered to a
portion of the garment. Thus, depending on whether the individual
fibers 108 are heat treated or not, that portion of the garment 100
will contract or expand in response to moisture.
Examples
[0090] Now having described the aspects of the disclosure, in
general, the examples describe some additional aspects. While
aspects of the present disclosure are described in connection with
the example and the corresponding text and figures, there is no
intent to limit aspects of the disclosure to these descriptions. On
the contrary, the intent is to cover all altematives,
modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope
of aspects of the present disclosure.
[0091] A bi-component fiber is formed by dispensing a polyamide
resin and a polyethylene terephthalate resin into an extruder. The
polyamide resin was PA-6. The resins pass through a die with two
ports. The first port of the die has a concave, substantially
crescent-shaped cross-section. The second port of the die has a
convex ovoid-shaped cross-section. The polyamide passes through the
first port to form a first filament having a substantially
crescent-shaped cross-section. The polyethylene terephthalate
passes through the second port to form a second filament having a
substantially circular-shaped cross-section. The polyamide filament
and the polyethylene terephthalate filament are laminated along an
interface defined having a substantially crescent-shaped
cross-section. This is shown schematically in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0092] Following extrusion, the bi-component fibers are drawn. Upon
drawing, the first filament and the second filament become
delaminated along the interface. This is shown schematically in
FIG. 3A. The extent to which the first filament and the second
filament become delaminated depends on the draw ratio. As the draw
ratio increases, the extent of the delamination increases. FIGS.
12A-12D are SEM images showing the bi-component fibers at various
draw ratios. FIG. 12A shows a bi-component fiber at a zero draw
ratio. FIG. 12B shows the bi-component fiber at a draw ratio of
120. FIG. 12C shows the bi-component fiber at a draw ratio of 140.
FIG. 12D shows the bi-component fiber at a draw ratio of 160.
[0093] Selected bi-component fibers can be heat treated to
re-laminate the interface between the first filament and the second
filament. Those fibers that are heat treated are heated with a heat
gun at a temperature of about 104.degree. C.
[0094] FIG. 4A shows two groups of bi-component fibers. One group
is not heat treated following drawing the other group is heat
treated following drawing. FIG. 4A shows each group of bi-component
fibers in a resting state. FIG. 4B shows the groups of bi-component
fibers of FIG. 4A, upon exposure to moisture. Specifically, the
groups of bi-component fibers are initially exposed to an
environment having 40% humidity to about 60% humidity, in the
fibers were in turn lightly sprayed with water. As shown, the
bi-component fibers that were not heat treated expand in length %
by about 30 length % whereas the bi-component fibers that were heat
treated contract in length % by about 50 length %.
[0095] The bi-component fibers that were not heat treated are
combined into a yarn. The heat treated bi-component fibers are also
combined into a yarn. The yarns are selectively used to form a
woven textile that is incorporated into a garment.
[0096] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects of
the present disclosure are merely possible examples of
implementations, and are set forth only for a clear understanding
of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described aspects of the
disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and
principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations
are intended to be included herein within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0097] The present disclosure will be better understood upon review
of the following clauses, which should not be confused with the
claims.
[0098] Clause 1: A textile comprising: a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and partially envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the interface defining an interior
surface of the individual first fiber, an exterior surface of the
individual first fiber defined by a portion of the first filament
along a majority of the length of the individual first fiber and by
a portion of the second filament along the majority of the length
of the individual first fiber, the first and second filaments being
joined to each other at the interface along the majority of the
length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0099] Clause 2: A textile comprising: a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and fully envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the first and second filaments
being joined to each other at the interface along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion
or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0100] Clause 3: A textile comprising: a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface at which the first
filament directly contacts the second filament, the interface
defining an interior surface of the individual first fiber, an
exterior surface of the individual first fiber defined by a portion
of the first filament along a majority of the length of the
individual first fiber and by a portion of the second filament
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber, the
first and second filaments being joined to each other at the
interface along the majority of the length of the individual first
fiber; wherein, due to expansion or contraction of the one or more
first fibers, the first region of the textile contracts or expands
by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length %
and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of at least
10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first
region prior to the change in relative humidity.
[0101] Clause 4: The textile as in any of clauses 1-3, wherein the
first region of the textile contracts or expands by at least 1
width % to about 60 width %, at least 1 length % to about 60 length
%, or at least 1 width % to about 60 width % and 1 length % to
about 60 length %.
[0102] Clause 5: The textile as in any of clauses 1-4, wherein the
first region of the textile defines about 5% to about 100% of a
total surface area of the textile.
[0103] Clause 6: The textile as in any of clauses 1-5, wherein the
first region of the textile ranges from about 0.05 mm.sup.2 to
about 10 mm.sup.2.
[0104] Clause 7: The textile as in any of clauses 1-6, wherein: the
textile further comprises a second region, and the second region
contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or
at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % relative to a resting
state on a change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range
of about 30% relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity.
[0105] Clause 8: The textile of clause 7, wherein the second region
of the textile contracts if the first region expands, or the second
region expands if the first region contracts.
[0106] Clause 9: The textile as in any of clause 7 or 8, wherein a
tensile strength of the first fibers of the second region of the
textile differs from a tensile strength of the first fibers of the
first region of the textile by at least plus or minus 10%.
[0107] Clause 10: The textile as in any of clauses 1-9, wherein the
first region of the textile comprises heat treated first
fibers.
[0108] Clause 11: The textile as in any of clauses 7-9, wherein the
first region of the textile comprises a first concentration of the
first fibers and the second region of the textile comprises a
second concentration of the first fibers, and the first
concentration differs from the second concentration by at least
plus or minus 10%.
[0109] Clause 12: The textile as in any of clauses 1-11, wherein,
on an individual fiber basis, a weight percentage of the first
filament is at least 5 wt % greater than a weight percentage of the
second fiber.
[0110] Clause 13: The textile as in any of clauses 1-12, wherein
the first thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more
first polymers.
[0111] Clause 14: The textile of clause 13, wherein the one or more
first polymers are about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of the first
thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0112] Clause 15: The textile as in any of clauses 13 or 14,
wherein the one or more first polymers comprise a polyester, a
polyamide, a polyurethane, a polyacrylamide, a polycarbonate, a
polyether, a cellulose, a polyimide, a copolymer thereof, or a
mixture thereof.
[0113] Clause 16: The textile as in any of clauses 13-15, wherein
the one or more first polymers comprise a polyamide.
[0114] Clause 17: The textile as in any of clauses 13-16, wherein
the one or more first polymers consist essentially of
polyamides.
[0115] Clause 18: The textile of clause 16, wherein the polyamides
comprise nylon-6; nylon-4,6; nylon-6,6; nylon-6,10; nylon-11;
nylon-12, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0116] Clause 19: The textile as in any of clauses 1-18, wherein
the first thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs at least 10 wt %
water.
[0117] Clause 20: The textile as in any of clauses 1-19, wherein
the first thermoplastic polymeric material comprises a non-polymer
additive.
[0118] Clause 21: The textile of clause 20, wherein the non-polymer
additive is about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of the first
thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0119] Clause 22: The textile as in any of clauses 20 or 21,
wherein the non-polymer additive is a sulfonate component, a clay
component, a phenolic resin component, a cellulose component, a
nanogel component, or a mixture thereof.
[0120] Clause 23: The textile as in any of clauses 1-22, wherein
the second thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more
second polymers.
[0121] Clause 24: The textile of clause 23, wherein the one or more
second polymers comprise about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of the
second thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0122] Clause 25: The textile as in any of clauses 23 or 24,
wherein the one or more second polymers includes a polyester, a
polyether, a polycarbonate, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, a
polyacrylate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl ether, a
fluoropolymer, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0123] Clause 26: The textile as in any of clauses 23-25, wherein
the one or more second polymers comprise polyesters.
[0124] Clause 27: The textile as in any of clauses 23-26, wherein
the one or more second polymers consist essentially of one or more
polyesters.
[0125] Clause 28: The textile of clause 26, wherein the one or more
polyesters include a polyglycolide, a polyactic acid, a
polycaprolactone, a polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxybutyrate, a
polyethylene adipate, a polybutylene succinate, a
poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), a polyethylene
terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polytrimethylene
terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate, a copolymer thereof, or
a mixture thereof.
[0126] Clause 29: The textile as in any of clauses 23-28, wherein
the first thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs at least 5 wt %
of water more than the second thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0127] Clause 30: The textile as in any of clauses 23-29, wherein
the second thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs less than 2 wt
% water.
[0128] Clause 31: The textile as in any of clauses 1-30, wherein
the textile is a non-woven textile.
[0129] Clause 32: The textile of clause 31, wherein the non-woven
textile is a spun-bound non-woven textile, a melt-blown non-woven
textile, a needle entangled non-woven textile, or a water-entangled
non-woven textile.
[0130] Clause 33: The textile as in any of clauses 1-32, wherein in
the first region, a majority of the first fibers are oriented in
substantially the same direction with respect to each other.
[0131] Clause 34: The textile as in any of clauses 1-32, wherein
the textile is a woven textile, a braided textile, a knit textile,
or a non-woven textile.
[0132] Clause 35: The textile as in any of clauses 1-31, wherein
the textile comprises one or more yarns comprising the one or more
first fibers.
[0133] Clause 36: The textile as in any of clauses 34 or 35,
wherein the textile is a knit textile.
[0134] Clause 37: The textile as in any of clauses 1-36, further
comprising an adhesive affixed to the textile.
[0135] Clause 38: The textile clause 37, wherein the adhesive is at
least one of a tape and a discontinuous film.
[0136] Clause 39: The textile as in any of clauses 37 or 38,
wherein the adhesive is a tape.
[0137] Clause 40: An article comprising the textile as in any one
of clauses 1-39.
[0138] Clause 41: The article of clause 40, wherein the article
comprises a plurality of panels.
[0139] Clause 42: The article of clause 41, wherein at least one of
the plurality of panels comprises the textile.
[0140] Clause 43: The article of clause 42, wherein the textile
defines about 5 wt % to about 100 wt % of the at least one
panel.
[0141] Clause 44: The article as in any of clauses 41-43, wherein
the garment comprises a plurality of adjacent layers.
[0142] Clause 45: The article of clause 44, wherein the textile is
joined between the adjacent layers.
[0143] Clause 46: The article of clause 44 or 45, wherein at least
one of the adjacent layers is an insulative layer.
[0144] Clause 47: The article as in any of clauses 40-46, further
comprising a slit defined by a surface of the article and extending
at least partially through the article.
[0145] Clause 48: The article of clause 47, wherein the slit is
adjacent to the textile.
[0146] Clause 49: The article as in any of clauses 47-48, wherein
the slit is actuatable between a first substantially open position
and a second substantially closed position.
[0147] Clause 50: The article of clause 49, wherein the slit is in
the substantially open position when the textile expands by at
least one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at
least 1 length % and at least 1 width %.
[0148] Clause 51: The article of clause 49, wherein the slit is in
the substantially closed position when the textile contracts by at
least one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at
least 1 length % and at least 1 width %.
[0149] Clause 52: A method of forming a textile comprising: forming
a textile from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber
having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and partially envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the interface defining an interior
surface of the individual first fiber, an exterior surface of the
individual first fiber defined by a portion of the first filament
along a majority of the length of the individual first fiber and by
a portion of the second filament along the majority of the length
of the individual first fiber, the first and second filaments being
joined to each other at the interface along the majority of the
length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0150] Clause 53: A method of forming a textile comprising: forming
a textile from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber
having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and fully envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the first and second filaments
being joined to each other at the interface along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion
or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0151] Clause 54: A method of forming a textile comprising: forming
a textile from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber
having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface at which the first
filament directly contacts the second filament, the interface
defining an interior surface of the individual first fiber, an
exterior surface of the individual first fiber defined by a portion
of the first filament along a majority of the length of the
individual first fiber and by a portion of the second filament
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber, the
first and second filaments being joined to each other at the
interface along the majority of the length of the individual first
fiber; wherein, due to expansion or contraction of the one or more
first fibers, the first region of the textile contracts or expands
by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length %
and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of at least
10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first
region prior to the change in relative humidity.
[0152] Clause 55: The method as in any one of clauses 52-54,
further comprising increasing a temperature of the first region,
wherein increasing the temperature of the first region of the
textile alters expansion or contraction of the first region of the
textile by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or at least 1
length % and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of
at least 10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about
100% relative humidity relative to a state of the first region
prior to the increasing the temperature.
[0153] Clause 56: The method of clause 55, wherein the first region
is increased in temperature from about 30 seconds to about 6
hours.
[0154] Clause 57: The method as in any of clauses 55 or 56, wherein
the first region is increased in temperature to a temperature
ranging from about 50 degrees Celsius to about 280 degrees
Celsius.
[0155] Clause 58: The method as in any of clauses 52-57, wherein
the first region is about 10 wt % to about 100 wt % of the
textile.
[0156] Clause 59: The method as in any of clauses 52-58, further
comprising applying an adhesive to the textile.
[0157] Clause 60: The method of clause 59, wherein applying the
adhesive to the textile comprises at least one of spraying an
adhesive onto the textile and attaching an adhesive film to the
textile.
[0158] Clause 61: The method as in any of clauses 52-60, further
comprising arranging the one or more first fibers in substantially
the same direction.
[0159] Clause 62: The method as in any of clauses 52-61, wherein
the method further comprises a step of receiving the one or more
first fibers in the form of a yarn, and the method further
comprises a step of knitting, braiding or weaving the yarn to form
the first region of the textile.
[0160] Clause 63: A garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component comprising: a textile, a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and partially envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the interface defining an interior
surface of the individual first fiber, an exterior surface of the
individual first fiber defined by a portion of the first filament
along a majority of the length of the individual first fiber and by
a portion of the second filament along the majority of the length
of the individual first fiber, the first and second filaments being
joined to each other at the interface along the majority of the
length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0161] Clause 64: A garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component comprising: a textile, a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and fully envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the first and second filaments
being joined to each other at the interface along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion
or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0162] Clause 65: A garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component comprising: a textile, a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface at which the first
filament directly contacts the second filament, the interface
defining an interior surface of the individual first fiber, an
exterior surface of the individual first fiber defined by a portion
of the first filament along a majority of the length of the
individual first fiber and by a portion of the second filament
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber, the
first and second filaments being joined to each other at the
interface along the majority of the length of the individual first
fiber wherein, due to expansion or contraction of the one or more
first fibers, the first region of the textile contracts or expands
by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length %
and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of at least
10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first
region prior to the change in relative humidity.
[0163] Clause 66. The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of any of clauses 63-65, wherein the first
region of the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 width % to
about 60 width %, at least 1 length % to about 60 length %, or at
least 1 width % to about 60 width % and 1 length % to about 60
length %.
[0164] Clause 67: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-66, wherein the first
region of the textile defines about 5% to about 100% of a total
surface area of the textile.
[0165] Clause 68: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-67, wherein: the textile
further comprises a second region, and the second region contracts
or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or at least 1
length % and at least 1 width % relative to a resting state on a
change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about
30% relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity.
[0166] Clause 69: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 68, wherein the second region of the
textile contracts if the first region expands, or the second region
expands if the first region contracts.
[0167] Clause 70: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-68, wherein a tensile
strength of the first fibers of the second region of the textile
differs from a tensile strength of the first fibers of the first
region of the textile by at least plus or minus 10%.
[0168] Clause 71: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-70, wherein the first
region of the textile comprises heat treated first fibers.
[0169] Clause 72: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-71, wherein the first
region of the textile comprises a first concentration of the first
fibers and the second region of the textile comprises a second
concentration of the first fibers, and the first concentration
differs from the second concentration by at least plus or minus
10%.
[0170] Clause 73: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-72, wherein, on an
individual fiber basis, a weight percentage of the first filament
is at least 5 wt % greater than a weight percentage of the second
fiber.
[0171] Clause 74: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-73, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more first
polymers.
[0172] Clause 75: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 74, wherein the one or more first
polymers are about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of the first
thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0173] Clause 76: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 74 or 75, wherein the one
or more first polymers comprise a polyester, a polyamide, a
polyurethane, a polyacrylamide, a polycarbonate, a polyether, a
cellulose, a polyimide, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture
thereof.
[0174] Clause 77: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 74-76, wherein the one or
more first polymers comprise one or more polyamides.
[0175] Clause 78: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 74-77, wherein the one or
more first polymers consist essentially of polyamides.
[0176] Clause 79: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 77 or 78, wherein the polyamides
include nylon-6; nylon-4,6; nylon-6,6; nylon-6,10; nylon-11;
nylon-12, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0177] Clause 80: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-79, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs at least 10 wt %
water.
[0178] Clause 81: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-80, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises a non-polymer
additive.
[0179] Clause 82: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 81, wherein the non-polymer additive
is about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of the first thermoplastic
polymeric material.
[0180] Clause 83: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 81 or 82, wherein the
non-polymer additive is a sulfonate component, a clay component, a
phenolic resin component, a cellulose component, a nanogel
component, or a mixture thereof.
[0181] Clause 84: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-83, wherein the second
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more second
polymers.
[0182] Clause 85: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 84, wherein the one or more second
polymers comprise about 80 wt % to about 100 wt % of the second
thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0183] Clause 86: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 84 or 85, wherein the one
or more second polymers includes a polyester, a polyether, a
polycarbonate, a polyolefin, a polystyrene, a polyacryalte, a
polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl ether, a fluoropolymer, a copolymer
thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0184] Clause 87: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 84-86, wherein the one or
more second polymers comprise one or more polyesters.
[0185] Clause 88: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 84-87, wherein the one or
more second polymers consist essentially of one or more
polyesters.
[0186] Clause 89: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 88, wherein the one or more polyesters
include a polyglycolide, a polyactic acid, a polycaprolactone, a
polyhydroxyalkanoate, a polyhydroxybutyrate, a polyethylene
adipate, a polybutylene succinate, a
poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), a polyethylene
terephthalate, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polytrimethylene
terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate, a copolymer thereof, or
a mixture thereof.
[0187] Clause 90: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 84-88, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs at least 5 wt % of water
more than the second thermoplastic polymeric material.
[0188] Clause 91: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 84-90, wherein the second
thermoplastic polymeric material absorbs less than 2 wt %
water.
[0189] Clause 92: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-91, wherein the textile
is a non-woven textile.
[0190] Clause 93: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 92, wherein the non-woven textile is a
spun-bound non-woven textile, a melt-blown non-woven textile, a
needle entangled non-woven textile, or a water-entangled non-woven
textile.
[0191] Clause 94: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-93, wherein in the first
region, a majority of the first fibers are oriented in
substantially the same direction with respect to each other.
[0192] Clause 95: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-94, wherein the textile
is a woven textile, a braided textile, a knit textile, or a
non-woven textile.
[0193] Clause 96: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-95, wherein the textile
comprises one or more yarns comprising the one or more first
fibers.
[0194] Clause 97: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-96, wherein the textile
is a knit textile.
[0195] Clause 98: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-97, wherein the garment,
garment component, footwear, or footwear component comprises a
plurality of panels.
[0196] Clause 99: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 98, wherein at least one of the
plurality of panels comprises the textile.
[0197] Clause 100: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 99, wherein the textile comprises
about 5 wt % to about 100 wt % of the at least one panel.
[0198] Clause 101: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-100, wherein the textile
ranges from about 5 wt % to about 100 wt % of the garment, garment
component, footwear, or footwear component.
[0199] Clause 102: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-101, wherein the
garment, garment component, footwear, or footwear component
comprises a plurality of adjacent layers.
[0200] Clause 103: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 102, wherein the textile is joined
between the adjacent layers.
[0201] Clause 104: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 102 or 103, wherein at least one of
the adjacent layers is an insulative layer.
[0202] Clause 105: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-104, further comprising
a slit defined by a surface of the garment, garment component,
footwear, or footwear component and extending at least partially
through the garment, the garment component, footwear, or footwear
component.
[0203] Clause 106: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 105, wherein the slit extends at least
partially through the textile.
[0204] Clause 107: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component of clause 105 or 106, wherein the slit is
adjacent to the textile.
[0205] Clause 108: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 105-107, wherein the slit
is actuatable between a first substantially open position and a
second substantially closed position.
[0206] Clause 109: The article as in any of clauses 106-108,
wherein the slit is in the substantially open position when the
textile expands by at least one of the at least 1 length %, at
least 1 width %, and at least 1 length % and at least 1 width
%.
[0207] Clause 110: The article as in any of clauses 106-108,
wherein the slit is in the substantially closed position when the
textile contracts by at least one of the at least 1 length %, at
least 1 width %, and at least 1 length % and at least 1 width
%.
[0208] Clause 111: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-110, wherein the
garment, garment component, footwear, or footwear component is the
garment or garment component.
[0209] Clause 112: The garment or garment component of clause 111,
wherein the garment or garment component comprise a plurality of
panels.
[0210] Clause 113: The garment, garment component, footwear, or
footwear component as in any of clauses 63-112, wherein the
garment, garment component, footwear, or footwear component is the
footwear or footwear component.
[0211] Clause 114: The footwear or footwear component as in clause
113, wherein the footwear or footwear component is footwear, and
the footwear comprises a sole structure; and an upper connected to
the sole structure to form an enclosure to at least partially
receive a foot, and wherein the upper comprises the textile.
[0212] Clause 115: The footwear of clause 113, wherein the textile
defines about 5 wt % to about 100 wt % of the upper.
[0213] Clause 116: A method of forming a garment, a garment
component, footwear, or a footwear component comprising receiving
the textile as in any one of clauses 63-115, and incorporating the
textile into the garment, garment component, footwear, or footwear
component.
[0214] Clause 117: A method of forming a garment, a garment
component, footwear, or a footwear component, the method
comprising: forming a textile from one or more first fibers, an
individual first fiber having a length at least 10 times greater
than a width of the individual first fiber, the individual first
fiber comprising co-extruded first and second filaments, the first
filament formed of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has
a cross section including a concave surface and the second filament
is formed of a second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a
cross section including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and
second filaments having an interface at which the concave surface
of the first filament directly contacts and partially envelops the
convex surface of the second filament, the interface defining an
interior surface of the individual first fiber, an exterior surface
of the individual first fiber defined by a portion of the first
filament along a majority of the length of the individual first
fiber and by a portion of the second filament along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber, the first and second
filaments being joined to each other at the interface along the
majority of the length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due
to expansion or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the
first region of the textile contracts or expands by at least 1
length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1
width % on a change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a
range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100% relative
humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first region
prior to the change in relative humidity; and incorporating the
textile into a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a
footwear component.
[0215] Clause 118: A method of forming a garment, a garment
component, footwear, or a footwear component, comprising: forming a
textile from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber
having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a concave surface and the second filament is formed of a
second thermoplastic polymeric material and has a cross section
including a convex surface, the co-extruded first and second
filaments having an interface at which the concave surface of the
first filament directly contacts and fully envelops the convex
surface of the second filament, the first and second filaments
being joined to each other at the interface along the majority of
the length of the individual first fiber; wherein, due to expansion
or contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity; and incorporating the textile into a garment, a
garment component, footwear, or a footwear component.
[0216] Clause 119: A method of forming a garment, a garment
component, footwear, or a footwear component, comprising: forming a
textile from one or more first fibers, an individual first fiber
having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface at which the first
filament directly contacts the second filament, the interface
defining an interior surface of the individual first fiber, an
exterior surface of the individual first fiber defined by a portion
of the first filament along a majority of the length of the
individual first fiber and by a portion of the second filament
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber, the
first and second filaments being joined to each other at the
interface along the majority of the length of the individual first
fiber; wherein, due to expansion or contraction of the one or more
first fibers, the first region of the textile contracts or expands
by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length %
and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of at least
10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100%
relative humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first
region prior to the change in relative humidity; and incorporating
the textile into a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a
footwear component.
[0217] Clause 120: The method as in any one of clauses 117-119,
further comprising increasing a temperature of the first region,
wherein increasing the temperature of the first region of the
textile alters expansion or contraction of the first region of the
textile by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or at least 1
length % and at least 1 width % on a change in relative humidity of
at least 10% over a range of about 30% relative humidity to about
100% relative humidity relative to a state of the first region
prior to the increasing the temperature.
[0218] Clause 121: The method of clause 117, wherein the first
region is increased in temperature from about 30 seconds to about 6
hours.
[0219] Clause 122: The method as in any of clauses 117 or 118,
wherein the first region is increased in temperature to a
temperature ranging from about 50 degrees Celsius to about 280
degrees Celsius.
[0220] Clause 123: The method as in any of clauses 117-119, wherein
the first region is about 10 wt % to about 100 wt % of the
textile.
[0221] Clause 124: The method as in any of clauses 117-123, further
comprising applying an adhesive to the textile.
[0222] Clause 125: The method of clause 124, wherein applying the
adhesive to the textile comprises at least one of spraying an
adhesive onto the textile and attaching an adhesive film to the
textile.
[0223] Clause 126: The method as in any of clauses 117-125, further
comprising arranging the one or more first fibers in substantially
the same direction.
[0224] Clause 127: The method as in any of clauses 117-126, wherein
the method further comprises a step of receiving the one or more
first fibers in the form of a yarn, and the method further
comprises a step of knitting, braiding or weaving the yarn to form
the first region of the textile.
[0225] Clause 128: A textile comprising: a first region of the
textile comprising one or more first fibers, an individual first
fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width of the
individual first fiber, the individual first fiber comprising
co-extruded first and second filaments, the first filament formed
of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the co-extruded first
and second filaments having an interface along the majority of the
length of the individual first fiber, wherein, due to expansion or
contraction of the one or more first fibers, the first region of
the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1
width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1 width % on a change
in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0226] Clause 129: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first and
second filaments are substantially laminated to each other at the
interface along the majority of the length of the individual first
fiber.
[0227] Clause 130: The textile of clause 129, wherein the first
fiber has the characteristic that it will contract upon a change in
relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0228] Clause 131: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first and
second filaments are substantially delaminated at the interface
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber.
[0229] Clause 132: The textile of clause 131, wherein the first
fiber has the characteristic that it will expand upon a change in
relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30%
relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity, relative to an
equilibrium state of the first region prior to the change in
relative humidity.
[0230] Clause 133: The textile of clause 128, wherein the interface
defines an interior surface of the individual first fiber, an
exterior surface of the individual first fiber defined by a portion
of the first filament along a majority of the length of the
individual first fiber and by a portion of the second filament
along the majority of the length of the individual first fiber.
[0231] Clause 134: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first
filament has a cross section including a concave surface and the
second filament is formed of a second thermoplastic polymeric
material and has a cross section including a convex surface.
[0232] Clause 135: The textile of clause 134, wherein the
co-extruded first and second filaments have the interface at which
the concave surface of the first filament directly contacts and
partially envelops the convex surface of the second filament.
[0233] Clause 136: The textile of clause 134, wherein the second
filament is formed of a second thermoplastic polymeric material,
wherein the interface at which the concave surface of the first
filament directly contacts and fully envelops the convex surface of
the second filament.
[0234] Clause 137: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first
region is present in a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a
footwear component.
[0235] Clause 138: The textile of clause 128, wherein the textile
is a woven textile, a braided textile, a knit textile, or a
non-woven textile.
[0236] Clause 139: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first
region of the textile contracts or expands by at least 1 width % to
about 60 width %, at least 1 length % to about 60 length %, or at
least 1 width % to about 60 width % and 1 length % to about 60
length % relative to a resting state on a change in relative
humidity of at least 10% over a range of about 30% relative
humidity to about 100% relative humidity; wherein the textile
further comprises a second region, and the second region contracts
or expands by at least 1 length %, at least 1 width % or at least 1
length % and at least 1 width % relative to a resting state on a
change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a range of about
30% relative humidity to about 100% relative humidity; wherein the
second region of the textile contracts if the first region expands,
or the second region expands if the first region contracts.
[0237] Clause 140: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more first
polymers, wherein the one or more first polymers comprise a
polyester, a polyamide, a polyurethane, a polyacrylamide, a
polycarbonate, a polyether, a cellulose, a polyimide, a copolymer
thereof, or a mixture thereof.
[0238] Clause 141: The textile of clause 128, wherein the first
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises a non-polymer additive,
wherein the non-polymer additive is a sulfonate component, a clay
component, a phenolic resin component, a cellulose component, a
nanogel component, or a mixture thereof.
[0239] Clause 142: The textile of clause 136, wherein the second
thermoplastic polymeric material comprises one or more second
polymers, wherein the one or more second polymers includes a
polyester, a polyether, a polycarbonate, a polyolefin, a
polystyrene, a polyacrylate, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl
ether, a fluoropolymer, a copolymer thereof, or a mixture
thereof.
[0240] Clause 143: An article comprising the textile of clause
128.
[0241] Clause 144: The article of clause 143, wherein the article
comprises a plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the
plurality of panels comprises the textile, wherein the article
includes a slit defined by a surface of the article and extending
at least partially through the article.
[0242] Clause 145: The article of clause 144, wherein the slit is
in the substantially open position when the textile contracts by at
least one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at
least 1 length % and at least 1 width %, wherein the slit is in the
substantially closed position when the textile contracts by at
least one of the at least 1 length %, at least 1 width %, and at
least 1 length % and at least 1 width %.
[0243] Clause 146: The article of clause 145, wherein the first
region is present in a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a
footwear component.
[0244] Clause 147: A method of forming a textile comprising:
forming a textile from one or more first fibers, an individual
first fiber having a length at least 10 times greater than a width
of the individual first fiber, the individual first fiber
comprising co-extruded first and second filaments, the first
filament formed of a first thermoplastic polymeric material, the
co-extruded first and second filaments having an interface along
the majority of the length of the individual first fiber; wherein,
due to expansion or contraction of the one or more first fibers,
the first region of the textile contracts or expands by at least 1
length %, at least 1 width %, or at least 1 length % and at least 1
width % on a change in relative humidity of at least 10% over a
range of about 30% relative humidity to about 100% relative
humidity, relative to an equilibrium state of the first region
prior to the change in relative humidity incorporating the textile
into a garment, a garment component, footwear, or a footwear
component.
[0245] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and
other numerical data may be expressed herein in a range format. It
is to be understood that such a range format is used for
convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a
flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly
recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the
individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that
range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly
recited. To illustrate, a concentration range of "about 0.1% to
about 5%" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly
recited concentration of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %, but also
include individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and
the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the
indicated range. In an aspects, "about 0" can refer to 0, 0.001,
0.01, or 0.1. In an aspects, the term "about" can include
traditional rounding according to significant figures of the
numerical value. In addition, the phrase "about `x` to `y`"
includes "about `x` to about `y`".
[0246] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects of
the present disclosure are merely possible examples of
implementations, and are set forth only for a clear understanding
of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described aspects of the
disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and
principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations
are intended to be included herein within the scope of this
disclosure.
* * * * *